Yesterday celebrates the 'forgotten men' of Dunkirk

Digital channel Yesterday is tonight screening a special programme telling the unknown story of the thousands of heroic men left behind in the Dunkirk evacuation.

Dunkirk: The Forgotten Heroes examines the now legendary escape of the British Expeditionary Force from the beaches of to Dunkirk and tells how the capture of 40,000 soldiers was kept a secret by the British government for propaganda reasons.

Thos prisoners endured horrendous conditions and were forced to work in forests, factories, coal and salt mines. The harsh conditions, physical and emotional turmoil and unremitting daily struggle to survive left many soldiers too traumatised to talk about their ordeal; until now.

Bringing this film to life are interviews with such people as 90-year-old John Davis who witnessed the death of many comrades and the horrific bombing of a hospital ship filled with injured British soldiers.

Producer Steve Humphries, said the programe aims “to uncover the true story of the forgotten men of Dunkirk. It’s important that their heroism and sacrifice is finally recognised.”

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